Update #80 on police enforcement of injunction order in Fairy Creek Watershed (with photos)

Lake Cowichan

2021-08-21 20:09 PDT

Police enforcement of the BC Supreme Court injunction order in the Fairy Creek Watershed area continued today, on August 21, 2021, in the same area where officers have been primarily focussing their efforts for the past several days.

Early in the day, police were met by individuals who were blocking the roadway and in locking devices attached to an industry gate. There was pushing and shoving and OC spray was deployed when the crowd failed to comply with police directions and became aggressive. One police officer was injured with a concussion and transported to hospital. One protester was also assessed by EHS and transported from the area. Approximately 30 individuals were arrested for contempt of court, including one minor.

Later, as police advanced further up the forestry road, several obstacles were encountered including individuals in a tripod-structure. 3 individuals were arrested, 2 for contempt and 1 for obstruction. All structures and debris in that area were also removed throughout the day. Approximately 7,500 pounds was removed to a gravel lot by RCMP Air Services.

Approximately 33 individuals were arrested today for breaching the injunction (contempt of court) and obstruction.

Since enforcement began, the RCMP have now arrested 740 individuals; 56 of whom were previously arrested with a combined total of 133 times. Of the total arrested, 564 were for breaching the injunction (contempt of court), 147 were for obstruction, 13 were for mischief, 6 were for breaching their release conditions, 5 were for assaulting a police officer, 2 were for failing to comply with a court order, 1 for counselling to resist arrest, 1 for causing a disturbance, and 1 wanted Canada-wide on warrants issued by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

All news releases on the Fairy Creek Watershed police enforcement issued to date can be found on the Lake Cowichan RCMP Detachment website.

Photo of Protest Line